What is DVAM?
October is #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth, and we would love for you to get involved! Traditionally, #DVAM serves to honor victims who have lost their lives to domestic violence, to honor the survivors who have gotten help, and to bring together the community of advocates and allies who fight every day to end domestic violence.
Below are various ways you can help us raise awareness and support survivors throughout the month. If you see a business or organization supporting the cause this month, please tag us on Facebook or Instagram – we would love to see it and share! Or, if YOU support this life-saving mission, do the same! We would love to thank you. Here is how we break down the month:
- Weeks 1+2 (Today through 10/11): Get Connected
- Week 3 (10/14-10/18): Get Help
- Week 3 (10/21-10/25): Give Back
- Week 4 (10/28-11/1): Staff Appreciation Week
In Kentucky, 45% of women and 35% of men will experience physical intimate partner violence and/or rape in their lifetimes. Our family, friends and neighbors deserve better. Let’s step up this month to reach victims who may not know help is out there, to support survivors who are trying to get out or are receiving services, and to support the advocates who provide these essential services.
All Month
We have partnered with multiple local businesses who will feature products and specials just for DVAM throughout the month! Some features will run one day, others one week, and others all month long. Find more details on our social media pages throughout the month!
You can donate needed items to any of these three donation drives that will benefit our clients:
- Paducah Beer Werks is collecting individually packaged foods and select personal care items. Stay tuned for their list on their Facebook page and stop by for some amazing food, and a special DVAM beer!
- The Paducah Board of Realtors is collecting select personal care items and household items for our clients! Find details in their Facebook post here.
- Murray State University Occupational Therapy students are collecting items for us in a creative campaign they call “The Pumpkin Pass-Around.” See the list of items they are collecting here!
Oct. 5: “Ripple Effect” Beer Release
Paducah Beer Werks and Dry Ground Brewing Company will release their collaborative beer brew called “Ripple Effect” on Saturday, Oct. 5. The beer is a DVAM special, and based on a quote from Merryman Kemp, MHDCC’s founder: “Acts of kindness and goodness have a ripple effect, like throwing a pebble in a pond. You may never know the impact one simple act of kindness can have in making our world a better place.”
Oct. 9: Papa John’s Fundraiser Day
Eat pizza. Support domestic violence survivors. Order pizza from the Papa John’s Lone Oak or Southside locations in Paducah any time on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and 10% of the ENTIRE DAY’S proceeds will be donated to Merryman House!
Oct. 11: #PerkUp4Purple
Whether you enjoy caffeine or just tasty drinks, multiple drink shops will use coffee sleeves and stickers that encourage you to #PerkUp4Purple and list our 24/7 hotline on Oct. 11! We encourage you to share a photo of your cup with our hashtag to reach those who may not know about our services! See a final list of participating businesses on our Instagram or Facebook pages closer to the date.
Oct. 12: Haunted Graves Paracon
This unique event is designed for all enthusiasts of the paranormal, the unexplained, and the downright spooky. Held at the Mayfield-Graves Fairgrounds, the Paracon will donate a portion of ticket sales to MHDCC!
Oct. 11-31: Paducah Parks & Recreation’s Pumpkin Walk
Take a walk through Bob Noble Park in Paducah between Oct. 11 and 31 and find our pumpkin display on the Peck Education Trail. Clients lovingly created some painted masterpieces for you to enjoy!
Oct. 15-23: #WhyIStayed Installation
Silhouettes of men and women will be placed on the lawn of the McCracken County Courthouse, each with a reason why some survivors chose to stay with their abuser. We hope the images will educate the community on why some survivors stay and/or go back, and validate the experiences of survivors who see the display.
Oct. 17: #PurpleThursday
As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, help the Merryman House and domestic violence programs around the nation raise awareness of domestic violence in our communities by wearing purple on Thursday, Oct. 17 individually or as a family or workplace! Make sure to tag us on Facebook and Instagram! If you need some purple, check out our Bonfire store! We receive a portion of the sales from that platform.
Oct. 18: Duck Tagging Party
Prior to our annual PaDucky Derby fundraiser, we will place waterproof, numbered stickers on the bottom of 20,000 rubber ducks. We need all the hands we can get, so if you would like to volunteer that day, please reach out to us at 270-448-8060 – no prior rubber duck experience required.
Oct. 19: Graves Co. Jail vs. Fulton Co. Jail Charity Softball Game
Come out for the second year of competition between Graves County Jail and Fulton County Jail as they go head-to-head in a charity softball game to benefit MHDCC! See if Graves County can de-throne the defending Fulton County champions! The game will begin at 5 p.m. at Fulton City Park.
Oct. 20: Purple Sunday
Get your church involved in DVAM by deciding to wear purple, having our brochures out, having our flyers in restrooms, or planning a sermon on domestic violence. Get Connected with our Spiritual Enrichment Program for ideas and materials!
Oct. 25: Quacktastic Celebration at The Johnson Bar
Join us for a Pre-Duck Race Party at The Johnson Bar the night before our 10th Annual PaDucky Derby! We will be celebrating A Decade of Ducks and support for survivors of domestic violence from our community. And yes, our mascot Quacky will be in attendance.
Oct. 26: 10th Annual PaDucky Derby
Adopt a Duck. Save a Life. | The Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center will host its 10th Annual PaDucky Derby at Bob Noble Park’s Montgomery Lake in Paducah, KY, on Oct. 26, 2024. All proceeds from the PaDucky Derby fund our mission and help meet the needs of victims of intimate partner abuse and their dependents. Each duck adopted goes directly to saving, building and changing the lives of those affected by domestic violence. Click here to visit our official Race website to learn more and adopt your ducks today!
Oct. 26: “Magic at The Ritz” Fundraiser
October Is International Magic Month & Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Get your tickets to one of two magic shows hosted by Jordan Allen on Oct. 26 at The Ritz in Midtown Paducah. A portion of ticket sales will benefit MHDCC. Click here for tickets!
